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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Almost better than pumpkin beer ... Harvest Days at Merrymead Farm

In my younger days, before the turning of leaves and brisk mornings meant the arrival of pumpkin beer and Oktoberfest celebrations, fall was marked by the start of the cross country season and a sore right arm. You might be wondering what a sore arm has to do with the fall. The beginning of Harvest Days at my place of employment, Merrymead Farm, meant I'd be scooping pumpkin ice cream non-stop for at least four straight weekends.

Yes, the ice cream line is long. And you need to park a half mile away. But experiencing Harvest Days with the nibble this past weekend ... and that delicious pumpkin ice cream ... made it all worth it.

Merrymead is a great place to take the little ones any time of the year, as they can check out the cows, bunnies, donkeys, goats, a giant hog and other assorted small animals. And they can even watch a milking demonstration. The nibble asked us which cow was producing the chocolate milk.

During Harvest Days, it's like a fair meets pumpkin patch meets insanely large cornfield maze (5 acres). Hayrides, games, pumpkin painting and inflatables take over the farm. For the toddler set, there are tractor wagon rides, a 700 ft cornstalk tunnel (in which it seems easier to get lost than you would think) and face painting.

Definitely worth checking out with the kiddies. And if you can brave the line for some of their delectable pumpkin ice cream, you will not be disappointed. If not, at least get yourself a warm cider donut ... and a few to bring home. I'd bet they would pair quite well with a Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin.

Merrymead Farm2222 Valley Forge RoadLansdale, PA 19446 610.584.4410

Harvest Days are held
every Saturday and Sunday during the month of October starting October 1st, 2011
until October 30th, 2011.

Saturdays: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sundays:
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

The 5 acre cornfield maze is open 12-4 Both Days and 6-8 Fri & Sat PM only.